I’m so sad reading this. I truly believe that small farms and regenerative practice is the way to go but there is so much wrong with the system. Hope you find a way forward to return to what you so obviously love.
Thank you Kerry for your comments, and the tip! It’s very generous. I’m not finished with farming by any means and now I can concentrate my efforts in helping others.
Helen, you are forever a farmer, even if you no longer farm. Once a farmer always a farmer. Good luck and very well done, you should be proud of yourself.
I can't imagine. Farming is hard enough as is, but requiring farmers to seek approval from a local planning board to farm seems like pure lunacy. It is a strange concept for us in the US because most states, like NC, have right-to-farm laws that at least exempt farms from local planning requirements. There are still state and federal requirements for some things, but at least we don't have to deal with a bunch of nosy neighbors tattle-telling to a planning board.
A long time ago, I read a book called “Farmland to Wasteland: a Time to Choose.” The author used the term “farm people,” a catch-all term for farmers, farm workers, part-time farmers, farm owners, farm families, etc. I think of “farm people” as a plural for “farm boy” or “farm girl.” All farm boys and farm girls may not grow up to be farmers, but they have some farmer in them. Not only is the population of farmers dwindling, but so is the population of farm people, people who can advocate for farmers--passionately and knowledgeably, from a place of personal experience.
Hold your head up high and hold your children tight. In the end, family is more important than farming, 100% of the time.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and compassionate comment. It’s true farming is challenging enough without having to navigate layers of bureaucracy just to do the work you love and provide for your family.
I love what you shared about “farm people.” That sense of community and shared experience goes so much deeper than what you do for a living it’s about values, resilience, and a connection to the land that shapes you for life. You’re absolutely right as the number of “farm people” dwindles, so does the collective voice that can truly advocate for those who feed us all.
Thank you for the reminder about family. Through all the ups and downs, they’re the reason I keep going and the most important thing of all. Your words mean a lot.
My heart goes out to you and yours Helen. This is all so unbelievably unfair. We too went through something similar, our final planning application refused by the authority and at appeal. Lyn, my wife suffered from her third bout of cancer and a year of destructive chemotherapy and then we were served with eviction orders, after fifteen years of living on temporary permissions. Some how we managed to turn our story around and we are still here with permanent permission, by jumping through some bizarre hoops. Keep writing, your voice is heard and your vision is true. With love and hope, Chris.
Chris, I had no idea you had been through an ordeal as similar to mine. My heart goes out to you and your wife because I cannot even begin to imagine going through it all whilst being treated with chemotherapy. Your strength against all odds is such a strong example for me. Thank you!
I’m so pleased to hear that you have permanent permission now and maybe it gives us all some hope that good can prevail.
Oh Dear Helen! This deserves a full and complete comment which I am unable to give right now due to pressures on my end. But I feel compelled to respond immediately as you've been so much in my thoughts and prayers these many months of your struggle. You are amazing and incredible and I admire you so much! You hang in there. You deserve to keep your audience. You've always been true to your mission on here. Big hugs and lotsa love! More soon. XO
Hi Hellen, I'm writing from Spain and I'm not a farmer. But I am a world citizen and in that capacity and as far as I can, I support initiatives that try to keep humans attached to land, to life (animals, plants...),in short: to our planet Earth. I have seen how the land of my husband's ancestors, how the traditional farming and agricultural practices have been destroyed and poisoned in a short life span under political rules dictated by what now we know is the dark power. So, I send my best wishes to you, your family and the good people of your beautiful country.
Thank you Amelia for your comment and your wishes. Like you I am now making it my mission to support initiatives to keep us rooted to the land.
Comments like yours just show me there are people out there who believe in farming and know how precious our land is and that we need to come together to protect these rural ways of life.
Thank you for sharing, Helen. You and your husband and your kids made it through fire and to the other side and that's what counts. I wish you joy and new pigs in some non-authoritarian future.
Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement. It really means a lot to know others are rooting for us, especially after everything we’ve been through. We’re holding onto hope for brighter days—and maybe, one day, new pigs and a bit more freedom to farm the way we believe in. Your good wishes truly lift my spirits.
Thank you Oscar honestly the comments I’ve received and your words heal my wounds a little. But my purpose is definitely not to let this be the end of my fight for farming. Thank you for the coffee, I will enjoy it during my writing time and channel your donation into advocacy!
Good stuff! You know you have plenty of support. We'll fight with you and all those farmers who really care about feeding the nation with good honest food.
This has made me cry, Helen. It's so unfair what happened to you. It's so sad what you and your family went through. I'm so glad you got back together and got married. I can't believe this is happening to farmers all over the country. It's criminal. We can only hope and pray for change 🙏. There is no judgement for your life choices. You are doing the best for your family and your big heart for farming is clear. I pray circumstances for farmers will change for the better in this country. I love your posts. Please keep writing for as long as you can. ✍️
Hi Anna, I’m so sorry my post upset you. Thanks for your comment though your honesty about your emotions means a great deal and you’ve been such a fantastic support of my work I honestly can’t thank you enough!
Please don't apologise! Your post is so moving. It's good to be touched emotionally about injustices and things that matter deeply. I've felt for a very long time that farmers genererally get a bad deal in the UK. It's one of the main reasons why I voted for Brexit and then sadly that did nothing to rectify the situation. I think the work you're doing educating people is so important as you're helping to change people's perceptions and buying habits which, if enough people change, will have a positive impact on the lives of farmers and the future of our countryside. Education is key. Have a lovely weekend 🫶.
Thanks Anna, what I find hard to believe is there’s a farming group that would prefer us to go back the EU, which I think would cause more damage than good but I also don’t think we’re at risk of that happening any time soon!
Farmers 100% need our help, I know too many farmers that don’t voice their struggles to the public but will share with other farmers. I feel very strongly but if the public knew more of the true stories they would buy more consciously at least and hopefully from farm gate.
Just yesterday I had a request from ITV to discuss my story because they didn’t realise it had got “that bad” for farmers but I don’t trust the media to distort my story and with my legal issues already I don’t know if I can risk it.
Yes, Helen, I'm sure if more people realised then they would support local farmers more.
It's a tricky one with the mainstream media. I would be careful. My two teens were interviewed by the BBC at the Reform conference and a clip went out on social media that made them look like racists. My daughter, particularly, was pretty upset. They were interviewed for 10 to 15 minutes and a few seconds was cut and pasted into a clip along with some other young people and completely taken out of context. Other interviews they did, though, with other outlets were OK. You do have to be careful with the media. Could you approach GB News perhaps? Or approach new media channels you like and follow on YouTube and see if they're interested? I can understand with what you've been through that you want to be cautious.
Dear Helen and Matt, this is very painful to read. All I can say right now is that you are an excellent writer with a broad niche market in your field of expertise. Obviously, there are countries where your ag work is greatly needed and probably would be much appreciated. I suspect that the way things are going, pig farming is the least promising of your many good prospects, even though the future is clearly in regenerative farming, I trust we will be hearing good news from you before too long. With best wishes
Peter, thank you for your blessing. Thank you so much for your comments in regard to my writing. I have so much to give to the farming industry still so I have high hopes this will not be the end of my journey.
Your story made me so sad, but your strength and resilience and commitment inspired me. I'm from The U.S., but the challenges you describe are universal, at least in "developed" countries. Thank you for sharing this, and I hope solutions for you and your family develop along the way.
I’m so sad reading this. I truly believe that small farms and regenerative practice is the way to go but there is so much wrong with the system. Hope you find a way forward to return to what you so obviously love.
Thank you Kerry for your comments, and the tip! It’s very generous. I’m not finished with farming by any means and now I can concentrate my efforts in helping others.
Helen, you are forever a farmer, even if you no longer farm. Once a farmer always a farmer. Good luck and very well done, you should be proud of yourself.
Thanks Nick, it means the world. Farming will always be close to my heart.
I’ve witnessed this kind of ratcheting pressure at work since the sixties. This is scripted, with an outcome that I can’t accept.
Keep on growing!
I can't imagine. Farming is hard enough as is, but requiring farmers to seek approval from a local planning board to farm seems like pure lunacy. It is a strange concept for us in the US because most states, like NC, have right-to-farm laws that at least exempt farms from local planning requirements. There are still state and federal requirements for some things, but at least we don't have to deal with a bunch of nosy neighbors tattle-telling to a planning board.
A long time ago, I read a book called “Farmland to Wasteland: a Time to Choose.” The author used the term “farm people,” a catch-all term for farmers, farm workers, part-time farmers, farm owners, farm families, etc. I think of “farm people” as a plural for “farm boy” or “farm girl.” All farm boys and farm girls may not grow up to be farmers, but they have some farmer in them. Not only is the population of farmers dwindling, but so is the population of farm people, people who can advocate for farmers--passionately and knowledgeably, from a place of personal experience.
Hold your head up high and hold your children tight. In the end, family is more important than farming, 100% of the time.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and compassionate comment. It’s true farming is challenging enough without having to navigate layers of bureaucracy just to do the work you love and provide for your family.
I love what you shared about “farm people.” That sense of community and shared experience goes so much deeper than what you do for a living it’s about values, resilience, and a connection to the land that shapes you for life. You’re absolutely right as the number of “farm people” dwindles, so does the collective voice that can truly advocate for those who feed us all.
Thank you for the reminder about family. Through all the ups and downs, they’re the reason I keep going and the most important thing of all. Your words mean a lot.
My heart goes out to you and yours Helen. This is all so unbelievably unfair. We too went through something similar, our final planning application refused by the authority and at appeal. Lyn, my wife suffered from her third bout of cancer and a year of destructive chemotherapy and then we were served with eviction orders, after fifteen years of living on temporary permissions. Some how we managed to turn our story around and we are still here with permanent permission, by jumping through some bizarre hoops. Keep writing, your voice is heard and your vision is true. With love and hope, Chris.
Chris, I had no idea you had been through an ordeal as similar to mine. My heart goes out to you and your wife because I cannot even begin to imagine going through it all whilst being treated with chemotherapy. Your strength against all odds is such a strong example for me. Thank you!
I’m so pleased to hear that you have permanent permission now and maybe it gives us all some hope that good can prevail.
All the best, H 🩵
Oh Dear Helen! This deserves a full and complete comment which I am unable to give right now due to pressures on my end. But I feel compelled to respond immediately as you've been so much in my thoughts and prayers these many months of your struggle. You are amazing and incredible and I admire you so much! You hang in there. You deserve to keep your audience. You've always been true to your mission on here. Big hugs and lotsa love! More soon. XO
Thanks Liz, I really appreciate your quick comment I know how up against it you are at the moment. Let’s catch up soon! X
Hi Hellen, I'm writing from Spain and I'm not a farmer. But I am a world citizen and in that capacity and as far as I can, I support initiatives that try to keep humans attached to land, to life (animals, plants...),in short: to our planet Earth. I have seen how the land of my husband's ancestors, how the traditional farming and agricultural practices have been destroyed and poisoned in a short life span under political rules dictated by what now we know is the dark power. So, I send my best wishes to you, your family and the good people of your beautiful country.
Thank you Amelia for your comment and your wishes. Like you I am now making it my mission to support initiatives to keep us rooted to the land.
Comments like yours just show me there are people out there who believe in farming and know how precious our land is and that we need to come together to protect these rural ways of life.
Thank you 🩵
I’m sorry this happened to you. It must have been heartbreaking and so tough. Sending you love and strength 💚
Thanks Carrie, it’s all about moving forward now!
Thank you for sharing, Helen. You and your husband and your kids made it through fire and to the other side and that's what counts. I wish you joy and new pigs in some non-authoritarian future.
Thank you so much for your kindness and encouragement. It really means a lot to know others are rooting for us, especially after everything we’ve been through. We’re holding onto hope for brighter days—and maybe, one day, new pigs and a bit more freedom to farm the way we believe in. Your good wishes truly lift my spirits.
I cannot express how this makes feel, anger is negative and not useful. But I cried reading this.
Hopefully you can turn this horrible experience into something productive for the farming industry.
I have bought you a coffee.
Stay strong and I hope you continue to highlight whatbis happening and how other farmers can prevent such shit happening to them.
Thank you Oscar honestly the comments I’ve received and your words heal my wounds a little. But my purpose is definitely not to let this be the end of my fight for farming. Thank you for the coffee, I will enjoy it during my writing time and channel your donation into advocacy!
Good stuff! You know you have plenty of support. We'll fight with you and all those farmers who really care about feeding the nation with good honest food.
This has made me cry, Helen. It's so unfair what happened to you. It's so sad what you and your family went through. I'm so glad you got back together and got married. I can't believe this is happening to farmers all over the country. It's criminal. We can only hope and pray for change 🙏. There is no judgement for your life choices. You are doing the best for your family and your big heart for farming is clear. I pray circumstances for farmers will change for the better in this country. I love your posts. Please keep writing for as long as you can. ✍️
Hi Anna, I’m so sorry my post upset you. Thanks for your comment though your honesty about your emotions means a great deal and you’ve been such a fantastic support of my work I honestly can’t thank you enough!
Please don't apologise! Your post is so moving. It's good to be touched emotionally about injustices and things that matter deeply. I've felt for a very long time that farmers genererally get a bad deal in the UK. It's one of the main reasons why I voted for Brexit and then sadly that did nothing to rectify the situation. I think the work you're doing educating people is so important as you're helping to change people's perceptions and buying habits which, if enough people change, will have a positive impact on the lives of farmers and the future of our countryside. Education is key. Have a lovely weekend 🫶.
Thanks Anna, what I find hard to believe is there’s a farming group that would prefer us to go back the EU, which I think would cause more damage than good but I also don’t think we’re at risk of that happening any time soon!
Farmers 100% need our help, I know too many farmers that don’t voice their struggles to the public but will share with other farmers. I feel very strongly but if the public knew more of the true stories they would buy more consciously at least and hopefully from farm gate.
Just yesterday I had a request from ITV to discuss my story because they didn’t realise it had got “that bad” for farmers but I don’t trust the media to distort my story and with my legal issues already I don’t know if I can risk it.
Yes, Helen, I'm sure if more people realised then they would support local farmers more.
It's a tricky one with the mainstream media. I would be careful. My two teens were interviewed by the BBC at the Reform conference and a clip went out on social media that made them look like racists. My daughter, particularly, was pretty upset. They were interviewed for 10 to 15 minutes and a few seconds was cut and pasted into a clip along with some other young people and completely taken out of context. Other interviews they did, though, with other outlets were OK. You do have to be careful with the media. Could you approach GB News perhaps? Or approach new media channels you like and follow on YouTube and see if they're interested? I can understand with what you've been through that you want to be cautious.
BS"D
Dear Helen and Matt, this is very painful to read. All I can say right now is that you are an excellent writer with a broad niche market in your field of expertise. Obviously, there are countries where your ag work is greatly needed and probably would be much appreciated. I suspect that the way things are going, pig farming is the least promising of your many good prospects, even though the future is clearly in regenerative farming, I trust we will be hearing good news from you before too long. With best wishes
Peter, thank you for your blessing. Thank you so much for your comments in regard to my writing. I have so much to give to the farming industry still so I have high hopes this will not be the end of my journey.
You poor things. So sad. Sending love and comfort xx
I can relate. I also watched my farm decline due to mostly external factors until I had to let it go.
Your story made me so sad, but your strength and resilience and commitment inspired me. I'm from The U.S., but the challenges you describe are universal, at least in "developed" countries. Thank you for sharing this, and I hope solutions for you and your family develop along the way.
Why did the MP for your constituency allow for the closure of your local slaughter house?